THOSE AMAZING AMINOS!

Amino Acid:  A group of organic compounds containing Nitrogen that are the building blocks for all the proteins our bodies manufacture.

There are about 80 amino acids found in nature, but only 22 are found in our bodies.  Of these, 8 are termed “essential aminos” because our bodies cannot synthesize them and must be ingested from food or by supplements.  Most of the protein manufacturing takes place in our cells.  Our bodies contain millions of cells, all carrying on some form of protein synthesis at the direction of the DNA found in the cell nucleus.  The DNA tells the protein manufacturing machinery which amino acids are to be linked together to make the desired proteins so all 22 aminos must be present at all times – no small feat!  To complicate matters, some aminos are needed to synthesize other aminos.  Foods that contain all the aminos are eggs, meat, fish and dairy, but have some downsides such as high levels of fat.  Vegetable proteins do not contain all the amino acids.  Amino acid supplements help to assure that there are adequate amounts present in a diet high in vegetables and fruits.

In this issue we will discuss the lesser-known roles of phenylalanine, tyrosine, taurine, arginine and a substance called glutathione in maintaining healthy minds and bodies.  As well as being used as building blocks for proteins, amino acids also play a role in the production of many other substances that are beneficial and essential to health and well-being. 

Phenylalanine is one of the eight essential amino acids.  It is needed to build proteins such as insulin and melanin (skin pigment).  The most important role of Phenylalanine may be as the raw material that produces compounds called neurotransmitters.  Neurotransmitters control the basic process of impulse transmission between nerve cells.  They are responsible for an elevated and positive mood, alertness and ambition.  A lack of them can cause depression.  If this lack is due to not enough Phenylalanine, providing adequate amounts will normalize brain and nerve levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine

Tyrosine is manufactured in the liver from phenylalanine and is linked to the manufacture of neurotransmitters.  In the production of neurotransmitters l-phenylalanine becomes l-tyrosine becomes l-dopa becomes dopamine becomes norepinephrine becomes epinephrine.  All are important in how they affect our mood.  In a study done by two Harvard psychiatrists, chronically depressed patients who had a medical history of not responding to standard therapy were given 100 mgs l-tyrosine daily.  Within two weeks tremendous improvement was noted!  Tyrosine is also very important in the development of red and white blood cells and in the proper function of the adrenal, pituitary and thyroid glands. 

Taurine is found in the body in great abundance, particularly in the heart, muscle tissue and brain and spinal chord.  Researchers at the University of South Dakota found that taurine has an anti-arrhythmic effect on the heart.  Taurine is not an essential amino acid in adults because it can be synthesized from two other aminos.  This is not true for the infant whose developing brain has concentrations considerable greater than the mature brain and whose sole source of taurine is their diet.  Human breast milk is an excellent source of taurine – cow’s milk is not. 

Arginine is an essential amino acid that is imperative to optimum growth, that functions in muscle contraction, as a cartilage constituent and within the reproductive organs.  Supplementing with arginine can dramatically help some types of erectile dysfunctions. 

Glutathione is a tripeptide, a small protein composed of the amino acids cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine.  Glutathione is produced naturally by every cell in your body and has three crucial protective functions.  It is a powerful anti-oxidant, protecting the cells from oxidized free radicals.  It boosts the Immune System.  It is a powerful detoxifier.  Low levels of glutathione have been found in persons suffering from a variety of diseases including cancer, neurological, heart, lung, digestive, liver and kidney disease.  Glutathione should not be taken orally as it is poorly absorbed through the digestive system.  A good source of precursor proteins and aminos to give your cells the raw materials to produce glutathione is whey protein, a component of cow’s milk.  These amino acids and other supplements are available at mine and other fine health food stores.

Health is not everything, but without spiritual and physical health, everything is nothing. Until next time we meet – may God Bless you with good health, with a little help from you!

The information in these columns is for educational purposes only and not to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Please consult your physician for any serious condition.

Len Rossi, ND has been a proponent of Natural Healing for 30 years. After a 25-year career as a pro wrestler, Len earned his Doctor Of Naturopathy degree in 1982 and is a Licensed Massage Therapist.